Getting Back On Track After A Career Hiatus

Once in a while, every working person has considered taking a break from their career. But they quickly shun the thought away. The reason being that they don’t want to struggle to re-enter the workforce after a career hiatus. 

Why Does It Happen?

You may think it’s uncommon, but actually, it is not a new phenomenon. All around the world, people have taken a career hiatus for elder care, and personal health issues. Most commonly for full-time parenting, the obligation of which predominantly weighs on women. 

According to the Harvard Business Review, 43% of highly-qualified women with children leave careers or take a career hiatus. It is undoubtedly challenging to return to work afterward.

Employers may be reluctant to recruit people with a gap in their resume. Whereas returnees may doubt their skills, mainly if they have been out of work for a long time.

The good news is that there are some key steps that talented professionals can take to increase their possibilities of success. Here are 4 ways that can help you to renew your lost confidence:

1. Network

Reach out to your ex-colleagues, clients, friends, and family. Tell everyone you know of your interest in returning to work after career hiatus. Keep networking until you find a job of your choice!

2. Be Confident

If you’ve been away from work for a couple of months or a couple of years, going back to work can be wearisome.

If you’re interviewing at a new organization, note that a confident personality will go a long way towards making a lasting impression on the HR.

3. Keep yourself updated with latest trends in the industry

One of the major concerns employers have about returnees is that they will not be up to date with the latest trends, processes, and procedures in their industry after a long career hiatus. 

This may mean that the interview questions will be a bit more complicated. The hiring manager wants to check if you know your stuff. The best way to prepare yourself is to remain connected throughout your career.

4. Assess your situation

While you may feel ready to go back to work, you need to take a step back. Assess what you’re looking for and whether your priorities and skills have changed.

Ask yourself if the job you are interviewing for is fitting for your new home life. Will you be able to give time to your new job? Only apply after appraising your pros and cons. 

Everyone has their own career path

Taking a career break is more common than you’d think, sespite the prejudice sometimes attached to how potential candidates will fill that void. Every individual has different career ladders; they ascend at their own speed, depending on their goals.

So if you feel hesitant about jumping back in to work after a career hiatus, remember these tips to get you on the right path with new vigor.